By Kavita Mistry 
Akasa Air, one of India’s fastest-growing airlines, has announced the commencement of operations from the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), further cementing its growth trajectory within the country’s rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
The airline will operate its inaugural service between Navi Mumbai and Delhi on 25 December 2025, followed by direct flights connecting Navi Mumbai with Goa on the same day, and Kochi and Ahmedabad from 26 and 31 December respectively. This expansion marks Akasa Air’s early presence at NMIA, making it one of the first airlines to launch commercial operations from the new facility. Bookings for these routes are now open across the airline’s website, mobile app, and major travel platforms.
Located strategically to serve the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region, NMIA is designed to complement Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and address the growing passenger demand from western India. The airport’s modern infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity are expected to make it a central hub for domestic and international air traffic in the coming years.
Commenting on the milestone, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said:
“The commencement of operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a landmark moment for Akasa Air and a defining step in India’s aviation evolution. NMIA will serve as a key enabler in establishing a dual-airport ecosystem that enhances connectivity, reliability, and choice for travellers.”
He added, “For Akasa Air, NMIA strengthens our strategic presence in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and western India, allowing us to optimise capacity deployment and capture new demand pools. Our early association with NMIA reflects our conviction in India’s infrastructure-led growth story and our commitment to fostering balanced regional development. As we scale operations from the airport, we remain focused on contributing to a modern, efficient, and sustainable aviation ecosystem for India’s next decade of growth.”
Akasa Air currently operates 34 weekly flights within the Mumbai region and plans to progressively increase its capacity from NMIA. The airline will ramp up to 300 domestic and 50 international weekly departures in the coming years, as part of its broader network expansion plan.
The carrier also aims to establish ten parking bases across India by the end of FY2027, aligning with its international expansion strategy into key Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. The Navi Mumbai launch will play a key role in this transition, providing the airline with expanded slot availability, operational flexibility, and access to emerging travel corridors.
The opening of NMIA represents a major milestone for India’s aviation sector, projected to be among the fastest-growing globally. With Navi Mumbai positioned as a twin-airport system alongside CSMIA, the move is expected to significantly improve passenger convenience, regional accessibility, and overall network efficiency.
For passengers, the new routes will provide greater choice and shorter transit times, particularly for travellers connecting through the western and southern sectors.
Akasa Air’s decision to be among the first movers at NMIA underscores its agile growth strategy and focus on long-term network sustainability. As air travel demand continues to rise, the airline’s growing presence in key metropolitan centres positions it to play a defining role in shaping India’s next phase of aviation growth.
